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Entrepreneurs Disease (ED) is a poorly understood and life-altering condition that afflicts millions of Americans each year. The symptoms are often hard to detect and if left unaddressed can lead to years of misery inside large corporations. Consult your doctor if you experience any of the following five telltale signs:

1) Ownership: if you treat even the most menial task your manager gives you as if the fate of the free world depends on your completing it perfectly, this could be an early-stage indication that you will suffer from successful entrepreneurialism later in life.

2) Circumspection: contrary to popular belief, sufferers of this disease aren't necessarily risk takers. As Malcolm Gladwell points out, successful entrepreneurs are in fact predators who cautiously evaluate a situation, spot an opportunity and then pounce on it.

NOTE: Seek immediate medical help if you experience circumspection lasting longer than four hours.

3) Tweaking: seeing something and wanting to improve it can often be a symptom. Mike Dubin, CEO of www.dollarshaveclub.com, saw two problems with the men's grooming market: razors are hugely overpriced and people often forget to buy new blades. He set about to fix both problems at once with a low-cost subscription service that mails new razors direct to its members every month. By the same token, self-improvement is also a strong indicator. Taking up a new language in your thirties or sitting down to finally master the piano on the weekends are both signs that you could have a mild form of the condition.

4) Positivity: not all entrepreneurs are nice people but most do have a positive outlook on life. A natural optimism and a cheery, cooperative personality could, unfortunately, spell entrepreneurial success as you age.

5) Overwork: There's no two ways about it, workaholism is a risk factor for early-stage entrepreneurialism. However, the cause and effect fallacy is important here. Not everyone who works hard will necessarily become an entrepreneur but the good news for anyone who might be concerned is if you don't enjoy working hard you can relax! The indolent will definitely not be afflicted by the crippling effects of money, status and personal satisfaction that can often accompany this disease later in life.

Negative Symptomology

As a doctor I'm often asked if the following are signs of early stage entrepreneurialism: You think you can do a better job than your boss, you dislike working with other people, you don't take instruction or criticism well, and/or you can't follow direction. I'm pleased to tell you that patients who present with these symptoms are rarely at risk of this entrepreneurs disease. However, they may be symptoms of a more serious and potentially life-threatening condition: entitlement.